A witty question was raised in Nepal on February 28, 2026: What if the YouTubers stayed still while the monks walked, and the monks rested when the YouTubers walked — would that work? Behind the humor lies a very real challenge: how do we keep a peaceful mind when circumstances are completely beyond our control?
Buddhist disciple asks: Is it possible for YouTubers to stay in one place while the walking monks walk, instead of YouTubers walking and monks staying still? (February 28, 2026 – Nepal)
Master Minh Tue answers:
The issue with YouTubers is due to karmic conditions, I cannot say anything. Wherever I go, YouTubers film and post it, which I also find a bit troublesome.
If I go practice alone, the paperwork is definitely smooth, but a large crowd is a different issue, drawing followers, and YouTubers filming contrasting views causing chaos.
I cannot chase them away, nor is it right to invite them, karmic conditions bind us like that.
I don’t want YouTubers following and filming because I am not an actor; I am just a person learning to practice.
If I chase them away, anger arises, but if I invite them to show off for fame and profit, greed arises; either way, I would be criticized.
In those conditions, whoever can endure and learn, that is beautiful.
* Master Minh Tue always gives brief and concise answers suitable for the listener in each circumstance. Below is a deeper explanation and analysis so that those who wish to learn can thoroughly grasp the Master’s teachings.
Understanding “Karmic Conditions” to stop complaining
Many people look at the crowd surrounding him and criticize the noise. But Master Minh Tue looks at the situation through the lens of Karmic Conditions (Dependent Origination). All phenomena occur due to their causes and conditions. The fact that there are people who like, people who hate, curious people following… are all because “karmic conditions bind us like that”.
When deeply understanding Karmic Conditions, we will no longer have a mind of resentment or blame. We understand that we cannot control the outside world, cannot demand the crowd to disappear. Instead of fighting the circumstances, we choose to accept reality exactly as it is happening.
The subtlety of the Mind of Greed and the Mind of Anger
The Master points out a very subtle trap in spiritual practice: “If I chase them away, anger arises, but if I invite them to show off for fame and profit, greed arises.”
- If one feels annoyed and chases others away, that is when the Mind of Anger (Aversion) arises. The mind of anger burns away peace and the merit of practice.
- If one takes the opportunity of being noticed to build an image, calling for support, that is when the Mind of Greed (greed for fame and profit) awakens.
The Master chooses to keep his mind in the middle — a wonderful practice of The Middle Way. Not overreacting, not taking advantage of the situation, just silently observing and continuing his learning.
Practicing Patience before the “Eight Worldly Winds”
In Buddhist scriptures, there is a mention of the Eight Worldly Winds, which include: Gain – Loss, Defamation – Honor, Praise – Blame, Sorrow – Joy. These winds constantly blow, shaking the human mind.
The Master’s choice to stay in this difficult situation is the practice of Patience/Endurance (Khanti) – one of the Six Paramitas (Perfections). Patience is not holding back out of frustration, but rather being tolerant, enduring adversity with an immovable inner mind and clear wisdom.
As the Master said: “In those conditions, whoever can endure and learn, that is beautiful.” Life is the same, we cannot demand everyone around us to be perfect, but we can train ourselves to have a calm inner mind amidst the noisy flow of life.
How do you usually respond when you face noisy or uncontrollable situations? Share your thoughts below.
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